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Image: From left: Naoko Chapman, Dr Jo Black, A/P Rob Jacobs

Masters student Naoko Chapman is conducting research on the therapeutics prescribing trends of optometrists under the supervision of Associate Professors Nicola Anstice and Rob Jacobs, with advisor Dr Jo Black.

Last year Naoko conducted a retrospective analysis of de-identified TPA (Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents) data from the Ministry of Health for 2014 to 2016. She uncovered differences in the therapeutic prescribing trends of optometrists across the various District Health Board (DHB) regions. Larger numbers of TPAs, relative to the population size, were prescribed in central Auckland (ADHB) and Bay of Plenty regions, while lower numbers were prescribed in the Canterbury region.

This year as part of her study, Naoko aims to extend the data analysis to a 10-year period, from 2008 to 2017. The aim is to provide a more detailed overview of how optometry is practised in New Zealand and will produce the first comprehensive local data on the therapeutic prescribing trends of New Zealand optometrists.

All optometrists in New Zealand (including non-TPA optometrists) are invited to complete this anonymous survey, which involves answering approximately 30 questions and should take about 10-15 minutes. Optometrists’ contributions will be greatly appreciated and will help provide useful information for the profession about the services optometrists provide in the community. To complete the survey please click here.